A NEWSLETTER FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE KYLE YAMASHITA

U P C O U N TRY U P DAT E
MID-SESSION 2009

Commemoration of Hawaiis Statehood

Dear Friends & Neighbors, Thank you for the privilege of serving you as your State Representative since 2005. During the Twenty-Fifth Legislative Session, I am serving as the Vice-Chair of the Labor Committee and as a member of the Finance, Transportation and Public Safety Committees. I am also serving as Assistant Majority Whip. My colleagues and I look forward to a very challenging session as we struggle with our economy. We will seriously need to look into cost cutting measures without jeopardizing the well-being of our people. I will continue to advocate the unique needs of Mauis people. We remain committed to working with all of you towards making our community and state a better place to live and work. Please do not hesitate to contact me to voice your concerns. With Warmest Aloha,

State Legislators stand to sing Hawaii Pono in Celebration of Hawaiis 50th Year as a state. On Wednesday, March 18th, 2009, the 50th state of the United States of America turned 50 years old. At the Hawaii State Capitol past governors and lawmakers who helped shape the foundation of our government and other dignitaries joined the 25th Legislature and the administration in commemorating this historic event. President Eisenhower signed the Hawaii Admissions Act on March 18, 1959, and three months later the people of Hawaii voted 17 to 1 to accept statehood. Members of the First Legislature of Hawaii House of Representatives who were honored this year at the The public filled the chamber of the House of Representative to help commemorate Hawaiis 50 years of statehood Statehood Special Joint Session: 1. Thomas P. Gill. Mrs. Lois Gill and son, Mr. Eric Gill; 2. Stanley I. Hara, Mrs. Diane Hara and son, Judge Glenn Hara; 3. Walter M. Heen and Mrs. Norma Heen; 4. George Koga and Mrs. Ruth Koga; 5. Katsugo Miho, Mrs. Laura Miho, and daughter, Ms. Mariko Miho. 6. Frederick W. Rolfing and Mrs. Rolfing

UPCOUNTRY UPDATE

2009 MID-SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

HB697, HD1Temporary Health Insurance for the Unemployed. Ensures that people who lose their health insurance due to the economic downturn are provided a safety net for their health care needs. HB570, HD1Coastal Hazards and Shoreline Erosion. Requires government to account for the rise in sea levels and to minimize risk from coastal hazards. Preserves public shoreline access and authorized the counties to account for the rate of shoreline erosion throughout the state HB986, HD1Green Schools. Helps schools to improve facilities through technology design. Reduces the cost of energy, decreases carbon emissions and energy dependence, creates green jobs in construction, technology, and labor sectors of our community. HB145, HD2Red Light Cameras. Establishes a red light camera system which captures images of the driver and vehicle license plates of those disregarding red light traffic laws, to be implemented by the counties.

Kyle with Aaron Nakamura and Darren Strand from Maui Gold Pineapple Company

The Legislature has reached the midpoint of the 2009 Regular Session and I would like to offer you some Highlights to the bills that have been passed by the House of Representatives and are now being considered HB990Disaster Preparedness: This bill establishes the by the Senate. Office of the Director of Disaster Preparedness and a There is still a long way to go this session, and we will Disaster Preparedness Commission to develop a plan that continue to discuss ways to improve these measures and includes the identification of hazards and hazard impact fully address issues that are important to the people of our zones, disaster mitigation policies, requirements, incenState. We recognize the importance of maintaining the tives, and best responses. States basic need for health, education, and public safety, and moving the state forward on energy and technology initiatives. HB984, HD4Broadband Communications Infrastructure: Through the establishment of a Hawaii Communications Commission, provides the foundation for a high-speed communications infrastructure statewide which will enable Hawaii to participate and compete in the global economy. HB987, HD2Statewide Employment Training. Creates a comprehensive state employment training program which would provide assistance to those who have run out of unemployment benefits. Provides temporary employment in needed public service positions. Provides incentives for certain private employers who participate in the program.
Kyle with Nickie Hines on Elderly Care Awareness Day

MID-SESSION 2009

Happy Easter
From my office to your home, we wish you a very Happy Easter!
I encourage you, and your family, and colleagues to participate in the State legislative process in Hawaii.. Your participation in the legislative process is essential to the preservation of democracy. You really can make a difference! For more information you can visit the capitol website at http://capitol.hawaii.gov, or the Hawaii Public Access Website at http://hawaii.gov/lrb/par. You can reach me or my staff toll free at 984-2400 ext. 66330. The number for the Public Access Room is tool free 984-2400 ext. 70478.

2009 Legislative Calendar

April 9 Second DeckingDeadline for submitting bills that have been amended by the non-originating chamber. This allows for delivery of the amended bills in their final form to the chambers members at least 48 hours prior to third reading. Second CrossoverDeadline for bills to pass third reading in their non-originating chamber in order to cross back to the originating chamber. Last Day For The Originating Body To Disagree With Bill AmendmentsIf the Senate and House dis agree on a bill, members from each chamber meet in a conference committee to work out their differences. First Crossover For Concurrent ResolutionsDeadline for passing the single reading required for resolutions in order to move from the originating chamber to the other chamber. Deadline For Final Form Of Bills Proposing Constitutional AmendmentsAt least 10 days prior to passing final reading by a 2/3 vote in each chamber, written notice of the proposed amendments final form must be provided to the Governor. Once adopted by the Legislature, the proposed amendment is submitted to the voters, in the form of a yes or no question on the ballot, for ultimate decision. Second Crossover For Concurrent ResolutionsDeadline for passing concurrent resolutions in the nonoriginating chamber in order to cross back to the originating chamber. Final Decking Of Non-Fiscal BillsDeadline for submitting non-fiscal bills for final reading by both chambers. Final Decking Of Fiscal BillsDeadline for submitting fiscal bills for final reading by both chambers. Fiscal bills include appropriation or spending bills, tax credits, etc. that emerge from the fiscal committee of their respective originating chamber (Finance in the House; Ways and Means in the Senate). Adjournment Sine DieIn Latin, sine die means without day. Adjournment sine die occurs on the 60th day of a regular session, and indicates a suspension of the business of the legislature indefinitely. From this point, the Legislature will certify bills whose form both chambers have agreed to and transmit or enroll those bills to the Governor. April 16 April 16

April 17 April 24

April 27 April 30 May 1

May 7

UPCOUNTRY UPDATE

Representative Kyle Yamashita

Proposed Capital Improvement Projects for 2010-2011
UPCOUNTRY MAUI

Kyle discusses some agricultural issues with Executive Director Warren Watanabe of the Maui Farm Bureau. This year, Agricultural Sustainability Day was held on March 17th, 2009 at the State Capitol.

King Kekaulike High SchoolDesign for Auditorium Makawao Elementary SchoolPlan & Design Cafeteria New Long Term Care (LTC Green House) Facility Upcountry Maui Ground Water Test WellPlan & Design Haleakala Highway Widening at Milepost 0.8 [ MAUI COUNTY ] Agricultural Value Added Processing Facility Waihee Elem. School Structural Improvements Imi Kala StreetIao Stream Bridge Improvements MCC, Mau, Science Building Improvements Maui Waena Intermediate SchoolNew Classrooms Maui Memorial Medical Center New Dialysis Unit New Helipad Kahului Airport Access Road Program Management Support Elevator & Escalator Improvements Fire Sprinkler System Replacement Rental Car Facility Improvements Water System Improvements Reconstruct Taxiways, Runways, & Apron Kahului Harbor Acquisition & Improvements Puunene Avenue WideningTwo Lanes to Four Lanes King Kamehameha III Elem. SchoolADA Accessibility Honoapiilani Highway Widening and/or Realignment Shoreline Protection Shoreline Improvements Lokelani Intermediate SchoolElectrical Upgrades Hana Highway ImprovementsUpgrading & Repairing Kamehameha Highway Bridge Replacements Stream Bridges

600,000 400,000 5,000,000 150,000 1,905,000

2,704,000 600,000 3,000,000 3,157,000 1,200,000 7,200,000 2,300,000 38,590,000 500,000 6,460,000 400,000 6,300,000 2,250,000 47,642,000 43,300,000 4,000,000 375,000 14,215,000 5,500,000 2,150,000 1,350,000 4,940,000 8,250,000

Many veterans in the Legislature have described this session as the most difficult they have experienced due to the States current fiscal deficit and negative projected revenues. The House has identified the economy as our number one priority, including balancing the State budget as required by law. Capital improvement projects are important for stimulating our economy and in providing construction-related jobs. It is important however, to distinguish that the funds appropriated are not from the States General Fund. The amount of money required for major construction is substantial so the State finances them through General Obligation Bonds. This source of funding is similar to the way that we must finance our homes through mortgages as opposed to writing a check. Investing now in projects we need, can not only help current economic growth, but also lay the foundation for future growth.

Contact Information
State Capitol, Room 422 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Phone: (808) 586-6330 Neighbor Island: 984-2400 x66330 Fax: (808) 586-6331 E-mail: repyamashita@capitol.hawaii.gov

Representative Yamashita with his wife Karen, son Tyler, and parents Mr. & Mrs. Stan Yamashita